Early History of Varanasi: Recent Excavations at Rajghat

The Ganga plain has been the cradle of Indian civilization right from the ancient times. This is well attested by the archaeological findings of a number of city and village sites of the Early Historical times. The region also witnessed formation of early states and urban centres. According to ancient texts, Kashi was an important janpada, with Varansi as its capital. On account of antiquity and continuity, it is also claimed to be one of the oldest living cities in the world. The expertise in tangible skills in technologies, arts and crafts, and spiritual attainments reflected in ideologies and institutions, have placed Varansi at the forefront of the culture centres of the country.